The second half saw Salah double his tally within two minutes of the restart. The Reds’ No.11 expertly evaded two challenges including one clip on his ankle to finish beautifully into the corner, netting his 40th Premier League goal.

Salah was looking back to his very best form and gave Bournemouth‘s defence plenty of problems as he looked for his hat-trick – which almost arrived after a flowing move that ended with Xherdan Shaqiri chipping Salah in but he couldn’t quite keep the volley down.

Liverpool were in full flow and playing some of their best football of the season, which is promising with two huge home games to follow this week – against Napoli and Man United.

The Reds found the net for the third time in the 68th minute when Cherries’ centre-back Steve Cook diverted home a good cross from Andy Robertson.

Salah then netted his hat-trick in superb style, beating the defence, rounding the keeper, then coolly finishing from close range. It was taking the proverbial and Salah back to his very best.

Liverpool move to 42 points after 16 games and to the top of the table, with Man City in action at Chelsea later in the day.